AFTER rising to a peak of 34 on Saturday, the number of confirmed meningitis cases in the UK has dropped to 29, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported yesterday.
As of 12:30pm on 21st March, 20 laboratory cases are confirmed and nine notifications remain under investigation by UKHSA.
There have reportedly been no new cases since yesterday’s update.
This follows a spike in cases of meningococcal group B disease (MenB) amid an ongoing outbreak in Kent, UK.
Two people are known to have died from related MenB infection, with no further deaths following UKHSA confirmation on 15th March.
Containing the Outbreak
Authorities are working with NHS England to manage the outbreak.
Sherine Thomas, Infectious Diseases Consultant, UKHSA, UK, said: “We continue to remain vigilant for new cases and work closely with NHS England and local authorities across the country, to ensure that any new cases identified are responded to as quickly as possible.
“It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination and we’d like to thank everyone involved in this effort so far.
“Although the risk to the wider population remains low, it is still really important that people know the symptoms of invasive meningococcal disease and seek immediate medical attention if they or anyone they know develops them.
“UKHSA continues to work with partners to identify contacts and offer necessary treatment.”
As of 5pm on Friday, 4,500 vaccinations had been given and more than 10,500 doses of antibiotics administered to those who are eligible.
Ben Rush, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control, UKHSA, said: “It’s reassuring to have seen so many eligible young people come forward for antibiotics and vaccination.”
Following confirmation of a meningitis case in France possibly linked to the outbreak in Kent, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control reported on Wednesday that the EU and European Economic Area general population is at very low risk of related invasive meningococcal disease.
This was said to be due to a negligible probability of exposure and infection, particularly following a 10-day incubation period post-exposure.
UKHSA continues to investigate the outbreak.
Featured image: William on Adobe Stock
